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What a neat discovery! I have 2 or 3 lingerie bed jackets from this era already, but haven’t found another for a long time. Rare, rare, rare. This one may have been part of some woman’s trousseau, which she stored away lovingly for decades. Some were made of silk. This one is glossy rayon.

Pretty bed jackets from the post-war 1950’s are also fabulous, but much different from the older wartime ones. Notice in the detail close-up the embroidered mesh decoration. Remember that from the nightgown I showed just a few days ago?

The one on the left is obviously the most unusual, and the oldest (probably 1940’s), but look at the gorgeous lace, ribbons and embroidery, the feminine styles, the soft and flattering blues of the 1950’s versions. And, even quilting, for a morning that’s colder. No wonder I love them and do a happy dance when I find another.

All of these were probably owned by women from middle-income families and were part of an average wardrobe – frequently used. Oh, the charm of it all . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exquisite nylon bed jackets, in lovely pinks. There’s nothing that feels so luxurious as sitting in bed or in a boudoir chair with one of these over your beautiful nightgown while enjoying a cup of tea.

These are so comfortable and pretty, almost any time of year. As always, the fabric, decoration and details can’t be matched by things sold today.

Another beautiful bed-jacket, in aqua. I have a substantial collection, but always bring home more when I find them. Why? Though the basic style is the same, they’re almost always different in the details. Pretty and practical, fun to wear. Mid-century women certainly thought so.

Although I haven’t parted with any yet, can you imagine what wonderful gifts they would make?! For someone who loves vintage, or just craves lovely things and the sense of luxury you get from lounging in bed with coffee, dressed to the nines? Or, is going into the hospital or must spend time convalescing at home?

And now, on to the gown . . . . . .. Here, Stella displays it’s charms. Look at that fit!!! It’s probably older than the bed jacket. And I love, love, love the bodice treatment and the way that the straps have been attached. Take a close look.

No buttons or hardware, just a silky sweep of creamy true vintage nylon (the best nylon is 50 – 70 years old). You can’t imagine wearing something that feels so good until you’ve done it. On top of how it feels, is how gorgeously sexy and feminine it looks.

OK, head back 10 to 20 years for another frilly, girly piece of boudoir lingerie – a beautiful bed jacket, the likes of which has disappeared from our modern wardrobes. This was another of the lingerie luxuries that women enjoyed until the 1970’s.

Delicate and beautiful, items like this were common in average women’s closets. They seem a bit over-the-top for everyday wear today, but in mid-century life were (and are) very practical for before bed and early morning activities while women were wearing their nightgowns, without sacrificing feminine mystery.

More mid-century lingerie – this one from the Post-war era in run-proof nylon tricot. By Rogers, it is a quality item and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen this style before! It has no sleeves, and is made to wear as a cape over the shoulders which ties at the neckline.

What a pretty way to spend a while over coffee in the morning, or reading in bed when there’s a chill in the air?

Pale pink color (the whole thing is prettier in reality than in this photo) and delicate accordian pleating with a ruffle at the neck and wrist areas. Perfect condition, and in my size. What could be better? It’s definitely a keeper. Wonder who wore this beauty in 1950 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

It seems that the Australian women really loved these beautiful lingerie items. I’ve found many in North America, but not as often as when I traveled there. These are some of the prettiest ones I’ve seen, of those made after the 1940’s. Nothing can beat the silk ones from before 1950!

Aside from the size differences between our two continents, there are some slight design features that are different, too. The Aussie versions seem to always be of two layers, or lined!

Perhaps this is because they have been imported from England (or the designs have), where cozier items would be more popular due to the dampness there. It’s a bit of a mystery, and part of what makes these investigations so fun and so interesting . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG: MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK: HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM